ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PLASMA MEMBRANE STRUCTURE AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY IN MICROMYCETES FROM POLLUTED SOILS

As essential components of soil ecosystems, micromycete fungi play a critical role in regulating ecological processes, decomposing organic matter, and shaping soil structure. However, environmental contamination especially from heavy metals and industrial waste negatively impacts the life processes of these microorganisms, potentially disrupting their biophysical stability at the cellular level. This study focuses on analyzing the structure and functional activity of the plasma membrane in micromycetes inhabiting polluted soils through electrophysiological indicators. The research was conducted in areas of Baku city with varying degrees of ecological burden. Soil samples were collected from three zones with different levels of contamination, and micromycete fungi were isolated and identified accordingly. Cell membrane stability and permeability were assessed using electrolyte leakage, propidium iodide (PI) staining, membrane potential analysis (DiBAC4(3)), and measurements of ion conductivity (Ca²⁺ and K⁺). The results showed that micromycetes from highly polluted areas exhibited membrane damage, increased conductivity, disrupted membrane potential, and altered ion homeostasis. These findings indicate reduced functional resilience of fungal cells against ecological stress factors and confirm the emergence of significant biophysical imbalances at the plasma membrane level.The study concludes that micromycete fungi are effective bioindicator organisms for monitoring soil pollution. Their membrane-related electrophysiological parameters especially conductivity and ion exchange can serve as critical biophysical markers reflecting the ecological status of the soil environment. This approach provides a novel and high-precision methodological basis for soil biomonitoring and early detection of environmental hazards.